EL34s Clean Tones?

[ToneDeaf]

I have a series 2 Rectoverb combo with Mesa 6L6s in it. I'd like to try a set of EL34s for a more classic British sound but I don't want to loose the clean tone I get with the 6L6s. Anybody know what the EL34s will do to my cleans? :roll:

 

[Botch]

When I put EL34s in my 2 Channel Recto they pretty much destroyed its clean tones (however, they weren't even great with 6L6s). But yeah, I thought the EL34 cleans were horrible.

 

[RyanDM]

I have a series 2 Rectoverb combo with Mesa 6L6s in it. I'd like to try a set of EL34s for a more classic British sound but I don't want to loose the clean tone I get with the 6L6s. Anybody know what the EL34s will do to my cleans? :roll:

I put EL34s in my Series II Single Rec and I thought that my cleans really sucked and were lifeless. After some tweaking I got a little bit of chime out of it, its not to bad... Plus it was worth it to me as I was thrilled with the British Crunch I got on the Red Channel!

 

[ToneDeaf]

Hey thanks

I got in touch with Doug from Doug's Tubes and he recomended Ruby EL34BSTRs. I ordered a couple and I'll let you know how they work. He thought the cleans would be ok and that add a nice bass response. We'll see.

 

[ToneDeaf]

I got the Ruby EL84BSTRs today and they seem pretty good. Clean channel sounds pretty warm and vibrant. Full of life not much difference from the 6L6s I had in there before.(this is a good thing and what I was looking for) The distortion channel however is pretty awsome. It now has a more vintage gritty sound that cuts through the mix with the band. I recomend them. :twisted:

 

[joey_truelove]

When I put EL34s in my 2 Channel Recto they pretty much destroyed its clean tones (however, they weren't even great with 6L6s). But yeah, I thought the EL34 cleans were horrible.

I hate to say it, mate, but that would most likely have something to do with where and how these very EL-34 valves were produced and by which methods. Also the grade of the valves in question is a factor to recon with. I'm sure e.g. low grade Mullards and GTs would at least provide decent cleans for your needs. Not meaning to blow the trumpet for the power pentode, being a true follower of the triode myself.

 

[ToneDeaf]

What? what are you talking about. English please. I think maybe this forum is for somebody I am not.

 

[Russ]

You're alright ToneDeaf. I found that a little difficult to decypher by how it was worded too. I am assuming that he was talking about the construction grade of the tube in question (EL34) and how it relates to tone. I wouldn't let it put you off. There are some topics here and posts that get pretty technical at times but for the most part just sit back and learn from them what you can. It is always better to have a better understanding about your amp and its parts.

 

[joey_truelove]

What? what are you talking about. English please. I think maybe this forum is for somebody I am not.

Obliged. What I was trying to say was maybe a valve that was made for a higher bias (that with standard Mesa bias sound more class A like) than standard could be worth a try.

 

[stadidas]

My brothers RK1 sounded awful with EL34s too. They were nasty Electro Harmonix ones. He's changed them recently for Eurotubes but I haven't heard the result yet.
I use the original UK Mullard EL34s, and I couldn't recommend them any more than I already do, they are fantastic. Well worth the investment if you can afford the premium. Bear in mind that they still work perfectly well even though they are 30+ years old, so they won't need replacing anytime soon if you do decide to go for them.